On December 18, 2012, the Santa Clara Police Department family came out in force as it paid tribute to an outgoing Chief of Police and welcomed an incoming one.

Department personnel, many of whom donned their Class A uniforms, stood at attention as Chief Kevin Kyle walked out of the police station as the Chief of Police for the last time. Chief Kyle was escorted by the Honor Guard and given a “Final Salute” by the department members that he faithfully served with for so many years of his life. With his wife, daughters, and parents on hand, an emotional Chief Kyle thanked everyone for giving him the honor to lead and for paying him this tribute.

The ceremony then shifted to welcome Chief Mike Sellers as the department’s next Chief of Police. Following a military tradition, a “Change of Command” ceremony was held where a new chief’s guidon (flag) was passed from one commander to another. Retiring Captain Paul Kofman was given the honor of handing the guidon to Chief Kyle. Chief Kyle then passed the guidon to Chief Sellers. The guidon will be held in a place of honor in the chief’s office.

Chief Sellers took the microphone and spoke about the department’s future. He spoke about SCPD being a family and that we will be accountable to each other and to the department. Chief Sellers’ son and daughter and many family members were on hand to witness the ceremony. Chief Sellers’ son Matt, a Santa Clara Fire Fighter, made the final presentation. He presented his father with a brand new duty weapon engraved with the Chief’s name and badge.

The ceremony was followed by a terrific meal from Mariani’s courtesy of the Captains and the SCPOA.